UK Care Home Tragedy: 3 Dead, 4 Hospitalized in Carbon Monoxide Leak

3 Dead in UK Care Home Gas Leak Tragedy

“We are contacting and updating residents families...”

Tragedy Strikes UK Care Home: 3 Dead, 4 Hospitalized Due to Suspected Carbon Monoxide Leak in Swanage, Dorset

A tragic incident unfolded at Gainsborough care home in Swanage, Dorset, UK, on October 23. Three residents lost their lives, and four others were hospitalized due to a suspected carbon monoxide leak.

Dorset Police received an alert at 7:16 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, upon discovery of the deceased individuals at the care home. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene.

Details:

• Location: Gainsborough care home, Swanage, Dorset, UK
• Date: Wednesday, October 23
• Time of alert: 7:16 a.m.
• Fatalities: 3
• Hospitalized: 4
• Cause: Suspected carbon monoxide leak

Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident at Gainsborough care home in Swanage, Dorset. The ambulance service was alerted at 5:20 a.m. and arrived promptly. Despite their efforts, three residents tragically lost their lives.

An investigation into the cause of the suspected carbon monoxide leak is ongoing, and the incident remains classified as “unexplained.” A Dorset Police spokesperson stated, “At this time, there's nothing to suggest any risk to the wider public.”

As a precautionary measure, four individuals have been hospitalized. Over 40 vulnerable residents and staff were evacuated by ambulances and relocated to a nearby church for shelter.

A Gainsborough Care Home spokesperson emphasized, “Our priority is ensuring the residents remain safe and well.” The care home's focus is on supporting those affected.

Additional details:

• Emergency call: 5:20 a.m.
• Fatalities: 3
• Hospitalized: 4
• Evacuated: Over 40 residents and staff
• Shelter location: Nearby church
• Incident classification: Unexplained
• Ongoing investigation: Cause of suspected carbon monoxide leak.

Adding that, “part of the local business continuity plan was to transfer residents in a managed way to a local village hall and church, where they remain safe and well.

“We appreciate that this is a stressful and worrying time for those involved and have allocated extra staffing resources to provide support locally.

“We are contacting and updating residents families.

“We will continue to work with the lead local authority services to return residents into their home at the earliest opportunity and will provide further updates in due course.”

Councillor of Swanage ward, UK, Gary Suttle, said, “I have been told by Dorchester social services there was a critical incident at the home.

“Three people are confirmed as dead.”

Emergency responders rushed to Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, Dorset, amid suspicions of a carbon monoxide leak. Crew members wore hazmat suits as a precaution. Although officials haven't confirmed the cause, carbon monoxide is a leading suspect.

A massive emergency response ensued, with up to 20 ambulances, fire engines, and police units dispatched to the scene.

Witnesses described emotional staff gathered outside, embracing and crying.

Experts from gas company SGN and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) joined the investigation.

Katie Lobban, SGN spokesperson, stated: “As part of the National Gas Emergency Service for southern England, we were called to Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage earlier today.”

“Our engineers are waiting for access to the building to complete safety checks.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident.”

A man, who chose to be anonymous said, “they evacuated the care home, Gainsborough Care Home.

“They have taken all the patients out but the emergency services are still on the scene.”

An eyewitness described the chaotic scene at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, Dorset, after emergency services arrived around 7 a.m. on October 23. He witnessed residents being evacuated in wheelchairs, with the evacuation process beginning around 8:30 a.m.

The emergency response was substantial, with approximately:

• 2 fire engines
• 3-4 police cars
• 8-9 ambulances

The road remains closed.

South Western Ambulance Service confirmed their involvement, stating:

“We were called at 5:20 a.m. today to an incident at a care home in Swanage.”

“We sent a Hazardous Area Response Team, ten double-crewed ambulances and a significant number of additional resources.

“Two patients were conveyed by ambulance to Poole Hospital.”

The 48-bedroom Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, Dorset, is at the center of a major emergency response. Operated by Agincare, this facility provides specialized care for elderly residents, including those living with dementia.

In the wake of the incident, all residents have been safely relocated to a nearby church hall, ensuring their immediate well-being and safety.